It's been a stressful and tumultuous start to the school year for Bridgeport teachers, according to union president Jeff Morrissey.

"With the way teachers felt they were being disrespected, along with the bell time schedule, along with the new curriculum, along with a lot of these initiatives that teachers didn’t feel that they were thoroughly prepared to do," Morrissey says. "It almost became a perfect storm."

Nearly 400 of the city teachers, all donned in black, rallied near Bridgeport City Hall Tuesday night.

The Bridgeport Education Association claims teachers, social workers, and other school employees aren’t getting enough support in the classroom - and it's affecting Bridgeport students.

Superintendent Dr. Carmela Levy-David released the following statement in response:

"We are aware that our dedicated teachers, represented by their union, BEA, are planning a rally outside of City Hall today. We respect their right to voice their concerns and advocate for their needs.

Our primary commitment remains the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and the entire school community. We want to assure you that we are actively working to address the issues raised by our teachers and are committed to finding a resolution that supports both our educators and our students.

We understand that this situation may cause concern and uncertainty. We are dedicated to maintaining open lines of communication and will provide regular updates as the situation develops. Please follow ParentSquare and our social media channels and for the latest information.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this time. Together, we will navigate this challenge and continue to prioritize the education and well-being of our students."